A trip to the Middle Ages and back? This witty twist on The Truman Show teaches an incorrigible oligarch’s son a much-needed lesson
A spoiled oligarch’s son through and through, Grisha (Miloš Biković) takes whatever he wants, treats women with little respect, and has always behaved as though the law simply does not apply to him. So far, his father’s money, influence, and generous use of bribery have solved every problem he has caused. But after yet another outrageous scandal, his long-suffering and increasingly desperate father finally reaches his breaking point. Grisha is about to be taught a lesson he will never forget.
Following an accident, Grisha awakens in what appears to be a peasant village in the year 1860. Stripped of all privilege, he is no longer a wealthy heir but a lowly serf whose days are defined by hard work and obedience. What seems like a nightmare come true is actually an elaborate staged reality, complete with actors, meticulously designed sets, and a team of directors monitoring his every move. In true The Truman Show fashion, there is only one way out of this medieval misery: becoming a better human being.
Combining social satire, sharp humor, and a classic redemption story, The Serf: Once Upon a Time in the Middle Ages delivers fast-paced entertainment, witty dialogue, and a cast of charming characters. The film's central idea, teaching an egocentric protagonist humility and responsibility through a dramatic change of perspective, creates numerous comic situations while also offering moments of genuine reflection.
Note:
Lead actor Miloš Biković is one of the most popular and successful film stars in his native Serbia. For years, however, he has faced criticism over his perceived ties to Putin’s Russia and was awarded the Pushkin Medal for his contributions to Russian culture. In 2024, Biković lost a role in HBO’s The White Lotus after Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly criticized his casting. He was accused of supporting Russian positions and justifying the annexation of Crimea. Biković denies these allegations and maintains that he opposes war in all forms.
A spoiled oligarch’s son through and through, Grisha (Miloš Biković) takes whatever he wants, treats women with little respect, and has always behaved as though the law simply does not apply to him. So far, his father’s money, influence, and generous use of bribery have solved every problem he has caused. But after yet another outrageous scandal, his long-suffering and increasingly desperate father finally reaches his breaking point. Grisha is about to be taught a lesson he will never forget.
Following an accident, Grisha awakens in what appears to be a peasant village in the year 1860. Stripped of all privilege, he is no longer a wealthy heir but a lowly serf whose days are defined by hard work and obedience. What seems like a nightmare come true is actually an elaborate staged reality, complete with actors, meticulously designed sets, and a team of directors monitoring his every move. In true The Truman Show fashion, there is only one way out of this medieval misery: becoming a better human being.
Combining social satire, sharp humor, and a classic redemption story, The Serf: Once Upon a Time in the Middle Ages delivers fast-paced entertainment, witty dialogue, and a cast of charming characters. The film's central idea, teaching an egocentric protagonist humility and responsibility through a dramatic change of perspective, creates numerous comic situations while also offering moments of genuine reflection.
Note:
Lead actor Miloš Biković is one of the most popular and successful film stars in his native Serbia. For years, however, he has faced criticism over his perceived ties to Putin’s Russia and was awarded the Pushkin Medal for his contributions to Russian culture. In 2024, Biković lost a role in HBO’s The White Lotus after Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly criticized his casting. He was accused of supporting Russian positions and justifying the annexation of Crimea. Biković denies these allegations and maintains that he opposes war in all forms.